Volunteer

Volunteering at The Franklin Institute is a great way to get involved in this fun-filled, interactive museum. By contributing time and expertise, you can learn something new, help others, and, most of all, have fun! The success of many of our programs depends directly on the efforts of our volunteers. Every year, hundreds of people—from students to retirees—participate in our volunteer program.

“Every day brings something new.” -Rachel, Volunteer since 2007

Volunteer Opportunities

Please note that the following opportunities are not always available, as volunteer needs change throughout the year. Placement is made by interview only.

Summer Volunteer Opportunities for High School Students

There are several exciting summer volunteer opportunities for high school students at The Franklin Institute. Volunteers must be at least 15 years of age. Please review the two opportunities below and submit your application as early as possible. We prefer to have all applications by early May.

Exhibit Facilitator Volunteer Opportunity Enhance guest experiences in the museum's exhibits by offering assistance with interactive components, facilitating discussions, and engaging guests through "Pocket Science" activities. Volunteers should enjoy working with people of all ages and experience levels. Interested applicants must be available to volunteer at least two days per week if only volunteering for the summer. (See position description below for details.)Exhibit Facilitator Position DescriptionVolunteer Services Application

Discovery Camp Counselor In Training (CIT) Volunteer Opportunity Discovery Camp is a co-ed summer day camp at The Franklin Institute. The goal is to get campers excited about science and to nurture their spirit of inquiry and discovery. Campers are grouped based on the grade or homeschool level they are entering (typically Pre-K, K-1, 2-3, 4-5, 6-8). CITs work directly with the campers in their classrooms, providing teaching support to the Camp Counselors and ensuring the physical and emotional well-being of all campers. CIT's should also be willing to assist with organizing and distributing camp supplies.

Camp-In: Volunteers are needed to help with our overnight camp program, assisting during check-in and throughout early evening programming. Volunteers are not required to stay overnight. (Friday and Saturday evenings only)

Discovery Camp: Serve as a Counselor-In-Training, assisting the Summer Camp Counselors in all aspects of Discovery Camp. Interested applicants must be available to volunteer for at least three full camp sessions (sessions are one week in length) and attend scheduled training sessions.Session Dates and Themes (Summer only)Position Description

Exhibit Facilitator: Enhance guest experiences in the museum's exhibits by offering assistance with interactive components, facilitating discussions, and engaging guests through "Pocket Science" activities. Volunteers should enjoy working with people of all ages and experience levels. Position Description

Exhibit/Program Development: Assist in developing science-related programs. Volunteers should have a well-rounded scientific background, and be able to translate concepts into programs or assist with the prototyping process. Volunteers are typically needed for project-specific tasks. (Weekdays only)

PACTS Mentor: Mentors are needed for this year-round youth leadership program, which focuses on science enrichment, career development, and leadership.

Science Presenter: Facilitate hands-on, interactive cart activities with museum guests and offer educational support in the museum's exhibits. Volunteers should enjoy working with people, have a background in a STEM-related field, and possess excellent public speaking skills. This position requires a 100 hour commitment.Position Description

Workshops: Assist with preparation and facilitation of various museum workshops, such as Homeschool Workshops and Birthday Parties.

Special Events:Volunteers needed to assist with special events and programs at the Institute. Most events occur in the evening or on the weekends.Position Description

Volunteer placement is by interview only. The first step is to complete the application and return it to the Volunteer Office. We will review your application and be in touch if your qualifications meet the needs of our available volunteer opportunities. Feel free to contact the Volunteer Office with any questions. We can be reached at volprog@fi.edu or 215.448.1163.

Is training provided to volunteers?All volunteers receive an orientation through the Volunteer Office. Job-related training is provided by the department in which a volunteer is working.

What are the benefits of volunteering?Active volunteers receive free admission to the Museum, including IMAX®, Fels Planetarium, and Franklin Theater shows, discounts in museum store and restaurant, invitations to special events, and, when volunteering, free parking or transportation reimbursement. Depending on the number of recorded hours, active year-round volunteers may earn a free membership to The Franklin Institute.